Meet the businesses benefiting from the South St. Pete microfund

Barbers, child care providers, chefs, artists and others are finalizing their business plans as the South St. Pete microfund pilot program is wrapping up. 

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and St. Petersburg Greenhouse executives announced the rollout of the South St. Petersburg CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) Microfund program earlier this year, touting it as a new accessible funding pot for business owners who utilize the funds towards making targeted improvements without providing any upfront capital. 

The initial cohort, which launched in May with 56 business owners, also provides education and marketing tools and tactics. 

The cohort is still active as the various participants are completing their business improvement plans. However, the cohort session is expected to fully conclude prior to the debut of the next session, which will take place this fall or winter, according to a Greenhouse team member. 

City officials previously launched a commercial matching grant program for existing businesses in 2016. However, it had shortcomings and excluded a lot of other businesses vital to the CRA that could not take advantage of it due to a lack of capital access.

When the May program pilot launch ends, the city is expected to award a total of $350,000 through the different buckets of accessible funding: 

• Existing brick and mortar: $10,000
• Existing family childcare: $10,000
• Existing home-based business: $5,000
• Existing shared commercial space: $5,000
• Early-stage startup: $2,500

A highlight of some of the participants in the summer cohort: 

• Jakub Kozuba, Kozuba and Sons Distillery Inc.: The family-run distillery is located in the Arts Warehouse District. The company was founded in 2005 in Poland and produces premium craft spirits. 
• David Walker, Zen Glass Inc.: Walker, a glass blower and businessman, has created a space that connects local glass artists and teaches people about his unique craft. The gallery offers workshops, courses and private events. 
• Alana Benito, Vida Eats: Benito is a registered dietitian. Her company VidaEats is a full-service medical nutrition therapy practice specializing in chronic kidney disease. 
• Desiree Sims, Peas and Love Edible Gardening Co.: Sims, a professional gardener, runs a business that designs and builds edible organic gardens. 
• Erica Hardison, One Community Grocery Co-op: After seeing how big box grocers were exiting South St. Pete, creating a food desert, Hardison is on a mission to create a community-owned grocery store through her not-for-profit entity. 
• Joseph Maisonet, iMedic Cell Repair LLC: The owner fixes iPhone and Android phones. His company repairs cracked screens, batteries, cameras, charging ports and speakers. According to his website, all Maisonet needs is “a parking space and 30 minutes to bring your phone back to life.” 
• Keith Hansen, Seriously Strong Training LLC: Hansen is a certified personal trainer. His company specializes in strength training for beginners. 
• Elizabeth Welhouse, Thyme Savers Meals: Welhouse is a personal chef who delivers ready-to-heat meal kits in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. 

The full list of the 56 participating cohort companies can be found here. 

How to apply 

The applications for the next cohort have not opened yet; however, interested business owners will be expected to provide certain documents, such as their tax and wages reports, a full employee listing, a copy of their commercial lease agreement and current commercial utility billing statement. 

Startup business owners must show they have completed an entrepreneurial training program within the last 12 months, their brand establishments and proof of investments and revenue. 

For franchise business owners, at least half of their employees must live in South St. Pete. 

Additional information on the eligibility criteria can be found here.